The controversy that surrounds whether to vaccinate against potential illness has always seemed bizarre to me. If there is an opportunity to irradiate or greatly reduce the occurrence of a deadly virus such as malaria why would we not do this. Perhaps I am too naive on the subject and hence one reason for choosing this subject for my first blog. The other reason, and probably the primary impetus, is that this blog will make up a crucial component of a course I am currently taking at The University of Queensland, Communicating Controversial Science, “The Blog Project”. So, over the next ten weeks I will be posting numerous blogs on the controversial topic of my choice, vaccination, with the aim to deliver as balanced critique as possible on the areas that are driving this controversy.

As a side note, I think it is important to disclose that I am a scientist in the field of biotechnology and am currently and have previously worked with large pharmaceutical companies involved in the development, manufacture and distribution of vaccines. However, I will endeavour to blog in the most unbiased and informed manner possible. All comments, thoughts and revelations will be greatly appreciated.

They go into a debate about why not vaccinating is bad, and the logic of those who don’t vaccinate. It’s an interesting and funny watch (although some people they interview can be frustrating). As you can probably guess from the title, the language is a bit colourful, so probably best to not watch it at work, haha.